Tel Aviv. Israeli companies report a growing demand for loitering weapon systems. Israeli company Aeronautics Ltd is offering its Orbiter 1K loitering weapon systems to some potential customers. According to the company, the Orbiter 1K has advanced guidance capabilities that ensure high precision, lethality and low collateral effects. The Orbiter 1K is based on the mature, combat-proven Orbiter 2 Mini UAS.
Orbiter 1K delivers outstanding performance in terms of endurance and mission range, and is the perfect solution for the ‘Sensor to Shooter’ operation concept. Once launched, the Orbiter 1K loiters and searches for targets; when one is found, it attacks it precisely, causing little collateral damage. The attack version is offered to customers in addition to some other UAV. One is the Orbiter 3 that according to the company provides extended operational coverage and a radically-reduced logistical footprint. Designed to operate with, and support, the tactical echelon, it provides intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions with long endurance.
The Orbiter 3 is an electric powered system and can carry payloads up to 5 kg in weight, including multi-sensor stabilized EO payloads carrying laser target-designation systems. The latest variant of the Orbiter 3 STUAS is fitted with an encrypted digital datalink, extended endurance of 7 hours and an operational radius of 150 km.
The company is also manufacturing the Orbiter 4 and says that this version is suitable for both land and maritime operations. The system can simultaneously carry multiple payloads, such as EO and radar, extending its ISTAR capabilities. Easy to use, with a low logistical footprint and a small crew, the runway-free Orbiter 4 STUAS aircraft suits all operational needs. Orbiter 4 delivers higher capabilities than other platforms in operation today, with greater endurance, serviceability, operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness. An advanced UAS, multi-mission platform, optional BLOS operation and endurance of over 24 hours in all weather conditions, it retains the legacy capabilities of the combat-proven Orbiter UAS family.
-The writer is an International Roving Correspondent of the publication. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
